Dementia

Music can ease anxiety and depression in people living with dementia. It can also help them think more clearly, communicate more easily, and recall memories. 

Research shows that not only can live music trigger happy memories and help people express themselves, it can reduce symptoms such as agitation, anxiety and depression.

Did you know?

  • There are currently estimated to be 982,000 people with dementia in the UK. This number is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.[1]

  • One study showed people living with dementia who have taken part in live music experiences became more social, vocal and motivated to talk.[2] Another found people living with dementia worried less, and remembered and communicated more, following live music experiences.[3]

Performer singing and holding hands with an audience member in a wheelchair during a Music in Hospitals & Care live event.
Musician playing guitar and singing to care home residents during a Music in Hospitals & Care session, with one woman smiling and engaging

  • Musical skills and tastes appear to be present long after someone’s capacity for conversation have disappeared.[4]

  • Musical interventions led to increased participation and decreased agitation in comparison to visual arts-based intervention.[5]

  • Involving carers in music activities can help them to better understand residents living with dementia.[6]

Partner with us

Generous funding from charitable trusts and foundations makes our live music possible. Could you partner with us to make a difference for people living with dementia?

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Jenny Rowe, Murrayfield Dementia Project Coordinator

“Although our service users have Dementia, they did talk about the music throughout the day and it stayed with them. In their various ways they told us or expressed in other ways, how much they enjoyed their morning of music.

It’s a way to connect with the people who are at a stage where we need to find alternative ways to communicate and understand them and the music allows us to do that and to understand their emotions still.

All of the musicians are very much appreciated and bring a lot of joy. It is a valuable service to provide for vulnerable people to enrich their lives.”